How Much Downtime Should I Expect After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Question

I am a professional model and obvously would like to know how much time it is going to take to heal before i can go back to work?

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

The "downtime" following rhinoplasty is variable depending on what rhinoplasty techniques are used such as whether the surgery was performed open or closed, whether any tip work was performed,  and whether the nasal bones were broken (osteotomies).  Patients who undergo open rhinoplasty typically have more edema (swelling) that persists longer compared to patients in whom closed rhinoplasty techniques were used.  If the nose was surgically broken by performing osteotomies then there is usually more swelling and bruising.
Patients are generally encouraged to take a week of from work or school. After two weeks, most patients can gradually return to strenuous activities such as exercising. 
The swelling gradually dissipates over the first several months and thus the appearance of the nose changes gradually. When the cast is removed after one week, the nose will look swollen. Usually by the end of the second week, the swelling and bruising have subsided enough that the casual observer will not readily notice that the nose has been operated on.  However, to the patient, the nose will look swollen or "puffy" for several months.  By about 3-4 months, the majority of the swelling will be gone but will look larger in photographs. It can take as long as a year for the final shape to become apparent.   You should give yourself several months if if there are any work or social engagements that would cause concern.

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello,On day 5-7 post-operatively, the cast is removed. By day 7, almost all the swelling of the face is gone and usually most, if not all, of the bruising is completely gone. You can put on a small amount of makeup and go out for dinner that evening and no one will know you had anything done. Due to Closed technique, since there are no external cuts or scars and no unnecessary dissection, the healing process is much quicker. For out of town patients, many fly back to their respective city or country the day after cast removal (which is generally day 8).  Hope this helps, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you have very light skin and bruise excessively after rhinoplasty, dark purple "shiners" may be difficult to conceal. If you have a darker skin type or if you have minimal bruising and swelling postoperative, artful concealer may get you back to work around eight days after your surgery. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Recovery following rhinoplasty varies from patient to
patient and depends on several factors. These include the type of procedure
performed, the wound healing characteristics of the patient and the patients’ employment
and social situation.Following
rhinoplasty, patients have several concerns, They want to know when they will
feel better and look good enough to return to public as well as when they can
resume normal and strenuous activities. They also want to know when residual
swelling will disappear and when their final result will be achieved.After rhinoplasty, nasal packing is
usually removed within 24 hours following surgery. When an open rhinoplasty is
performed; sutures are removed five to six days after surgery. External splints
are removed one week following surgery.Most
patients are surprised at how good they feel two to three days following the
surgery. Depending upon their employment and social situations, many patients
don’t feel like going out in public for at least a week. This is primarily due
to the bruising and swelling which accompanies this procedure. This may be more
pronounced if the boney portion of the nose is fractured and narrowed. Most
routine activities are resumed in seven to ten days and strenuous activities
can be resumed in four to six weeks following surgery. Small amounts of
residual swelling may persist for up to one year following rhinoplasty.Patients
typically find the first 24 hours of recovery difficult. Once the nasal packing
is removed they quickly feel better.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The initial swelling will subside in a couple of weeks to a month, then residual swelling may last for up to a year or so. I recommend patients avoid exercising for about 6 weeks, and this includes swimming. They may be able to return to work in about two weeks or so, if it;s a desk job. Of course you should ask your surgeon for their advice as it may be different.However, you'll probably need to wait a couple of months since your work relies on your appearance (although if it's just for your body, then you can return to work in about 2 weeks  or so).

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank your inquiry and I am glad that you bring up this specific subject that I have been addressing quite often especially with patients in the show business/modeling.Usually, camera readiness after a minor rhinoplasty should range between 1-2 weeks and up to 2-3 months for major changes. However, every patient is different and the
finest cosmetic results in any particular case are based on a variety of
factors, including: the unique anatomy of the patient, realistic expectations,
a well-informed and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon concerning
the best options for you especially covering a deep understanding of the pros
and cons of any given choice you will adopt.

Please keep in mind that following the
advice from a surgeon online who offers to tell you what to do without a
physical examination covering the nature and the status of the tissue,
assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing
the pros and cons of each operative solution would not be in your best
interest. With that in mind, it is the safest and for your best interest to
find a plastic surgeon with solid experience and certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons that you will trust and be comfortable with. You should
discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Good luck!!!

Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

As your job requires you to look at your best, I would advise that you anticipate a recovery period of nearly one month. During this time, your new nose will look different than the anticipated end result, as your nose and face will be significantly swollen and may even appear slightly bruised. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent swelling post nose job. I often recommend my patients to refrain from drinking alcohol, reduce intake of salt, and sleep with several pillows under the head in order to speed up the recovery process and minimize swelling. The good news is that the swelling does go down, and will continue to go down for about a year following your procedure.

Colin Pero, MD, FACS · Answer

This discussion can really only be answered after an examination and discussion of what your goals are surgically. The thickness of your skin, the approach used during surgery and the maneuvers used will all influence how long you will need to be out following surgery.

Andrew Jacono, MD · Answer

After Rhinoplasty surgery some patients have some bruising around the eyes that lasts for 5 days. Once the cast is removed at 7 days the nose is usually a little swollen, but it was made smaller during surgery so the net result is that it is not perceived. I have many professional patients that can go back to work after one week without issue.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

A tape dressing and a protective shell will cover the bridge of the nose for one week. With modern techniques, no packing is required inside the nose. There may be some discoloration and swelling around the eyes which will typically improve over 5-7 days. One week is usually enough time for returning to work and social activities.
The link below shows pictures of a patient one week after a rhinoplasty. At this time make-up may be worn and most patients are typically able to resume normal activity and return to work or school.
http://www.seattlerhinoplasty.com/html/recovery.php
For important events (weddings, TV appearance, modeling shoot) we typically recommend a minimum of 1 month and preferably 2 months.

How Much Downtime Should I Expect After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Answers (19)

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